Teachers & Staff
Our professional staff encourages exploration and growth in a well-equipped environment that is stimulating, safe, consistent and nurturing. We strive to enhance each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning.
A Message From our Teachers:
Ms. Dara - Lead Teacher/Administrator
Hi, my name is Dara Lavallee. I started teaching in the fall of 2009 at The JCC. I previously had been a stay at home mom of my two boys who are now 12 and 14. My background is in Special Education. I received a bachelors degree in Special Ed from Lock Haven University in 1997. Prior to staying at home with my children, I was an Early Intervention teacher. I feel working at The JCC is very rewarding and really couldn't imagine a better fit for me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives and all of yours as well.
A Message From our Teachers:
Ms. Dara - Lead Teacher/Administrator
Hi, my name is Dara Lavallee. I started teaching in the fall of 2009 at The JCC. I previously had been a stay at home mom of my two boys who are now 12 and 14. My background is in Special Education. I received a bachelors degree in Special Ed from Lock Haven University in 1997. Prior to staying at home with my children, I was an Early Intervention teacher. I feel working at The JCC is very rewarding and really couldn't imagine a better fit for me. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your children's lives and all of yours as well.
Ms. Nana- Co-Lead Teacher
Hi my name is Nana Antiwaa-Bey who retired after teaching in the early childhood education field for more than 35. I was a campfire leader for 20 years; leading science workshops with families learning together; also, leading workshops engaging families in children’s literacy development program they could do at home and in their normal everyday lives. I retired to fulfill my dream of being a caregiver to my own grandchild. Moving to State College almost 3 years ago, with my amazing daughter, son-in-law and 5 children to care for my now 3-year-old granddaughter to build on social skills with her peers. The opportunity to work in the classroom is an honor and a joy. My Associate Degree earned from Community College of Philadelphia, is where I studied accounting and early childhood education. I later acquired my Bachelor of Science at Chestnut Hill College, school of continuing and professional studies, while working full time in the classroom. As a campfire leader at Aloha Campfire in Philadelphia, I included toddlers in our programs to help build leadership skills confidence and companion for others. I’ve also worked with The Franklin Institute; The Academy of Natural Sciences; Philadelphia Zoo; and the Adventure Aquarium whom collaborated together with various programs starting with FEST, CASE, CULES ETC. This collaboration gave families the opportunity to experience and learn science in a fun environment for more than 10 years.
Hi my name is Nana Antiwaa-Bey who retired after teaching in the early childhood education field for more than 35. I was a campfire leader for 20 years; leading science workshops with families learning together; also, leading workshops engaging families in children’s literacy development program they could do at home and in their normal everyday lives. I retired to fulfill my dream of being a caregiver to my own grandchild. Moving to State College almost 3 years ago, with my amazing daughter, son-in-law and 5 children to care for my now 3-year-old granddaughter to build on social skills with her peers. The opportunity to work in the classroom is an honor and a joy. My Associate Degree earned from Community College of Philadelphia, is where I studied accounting and early childhood education. I later acquired my Bachelor of Science at Chestnut Hill College, school of continuing and professional studies, while working full time in the classroom. As a campfire leader at Aloha Campfire in Philadelphia, I included toddlers in our programs to help build leadership skills confidence and companion for others. I’ve also worked with The Franklin Institute; The Academy of Natural Sciences; Philadelphia Zoo; and the Adventure Aquarium whom collaborated together with various programs starting with FEST, CASE, CULES ETC. This collaboration gave families the opportunity to experience and learn science in a fun environment for more than 10 years.
Staff and Interns
Our school frequently hosts interns and staff from Penn State University and other local colleges. We are a host site for the America Reads program, whose students bring a focus of literacy education to the classroom as part of fulfilling their educational training. (During COVID we have made changes to student interns, and parent volunteers- please ask about our current COVID policy/guidelines)
For more information about available internship positions, please contact our coordinator at coordinator@jccnursery.org.
Classroom Volunteers
Parents and guardians of current students volunteer in the classroom to provide an extra set of hands when needed. All classroom volunteers work under the direction and supervision of a trained teacher. Volunteers are required to follow our Volunteer Policy, as well as submit background clearances in line with SCASD requirements.
Our school frequently hosts interns and staff from Penn State University and other local colleges. We are a host site for the America Reads program, whose students bring a focus of literacy education to the classroom as part of fulfilling their educational training. (During COVID we have made changes to student interns, and parent volunteers- please ask about our current COVID policy/guidelines)
For more information about available internship positions, please contact our coordinator at coordinator@jccnursery.org.
Classroom Volunteers
Parents and guardians of current students volunteer in the classroom to provide an extra set of hands when needed. All classroom volunteers work under the direction and supervision of a trained teacher. Volunteers are required to follow our Volunteer Policy, as well as submit background clearances in line with SCASD requirements.